Chicago Bears players with uncertain futures beyond 2022
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears Player No. 1: David Montgomery
The reasoning for Montgomery being at the top of this list can really be boiled down to two main factors. First and foremost, running backs have some of the worst longevity of any position in football. Considering the majority of running backs are the most productive throughout their rookie contract, it isn’t entirely logical to extend them.
Especially, if a younger and cheaper player could be brought in as a replacement in the draft. Statistically, Montgomery’s best season came in 2020, and his per-game and per-carry averages have dipped noticeably since. Still only 25 years old, no one would consider Montgomery washed up or finished, but it isn’t entirely clear if he has shown enough promise to justify an extension.
The second question for Montgomery is more straightforward: Positional value aside, is he good enough to be part of the rebuild? The Bears have moved on from several established veterans in the past year due mainly to financial and age factors. Is Montgomery good enough at what he does to survive this fire sale?
He currently has 640 yards and four touchdowns on the season on 4.0 yards per carry. It is also worth pointing out he has been significantly less efficient than his running mate Khalil Herbert who has put up 643 yards on 52 fewer carries.
What the Bears do with Montgomery will ultimately come down to his asking price. He is not valuable enough to justify a massive contract, but he isn’t exactly expendable, either. There is a real possibility the Bears will have a new face in the backfield in 2023.